Preview

World Cup

March to Myrtle

by IQA Staff | March 13, 2014

Photo courtesy of Will Michels

World Cup VII is quickly approaching and qualified teams are scouring the internet for information on their opponents. Here at the IQA, we decided to help you along and introduce you to the 80 teams you could face in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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University of Florida Gators - South - Regional Finish: Runner-Up
By Sean Beloff/Guest Writer

Runner-up at the South Regional, the Gators are projected as a two seed in pool play at World Cup and look miles better than last year’s team. Under the leadership of Dre Clements, University of Florida  (UF) has evolved its style of play and re-established itself as a contender. Throw in a deep roster filled with unselfish players, and UF should be poised to make a deep run this season.

Strengths
Defense – The difference between this year’s team and last year’s is a defensive identity. After disappointing at last year’s World Cup, the Gators have recommitted themselves to the style of defensive play that led them all the way to second place at World Cup V. UF covers passing lanes incredibly well, and its defense forces you to beat it on the ground. On top of that, the Gators usually have bludger control, as they often employ two male beaters. Most important to the Gators’ success this season, however, has been their ability to force turnovers, allowing them to mix in a fast break with their very patient offense.

Passing – Last year at World Cup, the Gators’ offense sputtered as players were adjusting to a new system. A year later that same offense looks completely revitalized. The improved defense has definitely helped (UF scores a lot of points off turnovers) but the credit belongs to a much-improved passing game. The chasers keep good spacing on the pitch, and all of them are able to quickly catch and find the next open target. The Gators’ ability to move the ball forces opponents to work harder on defense and wears them down, ultimately allowing UF to use its depth to put teams away.

Photo by Isabella Gong/IQA Photographer

Weaknesses
Style of Play – In order to pick a true weakness for the Gators, you have to nitpick; however, they are very reliant on bludger control. The style of play that has afforded UF so much success this season could also, under the wrong conditions, cause them to stumble against teams with strong female beaters. Much of UF’s game is predicated on bludger control, and oftentimes to ensure that it has it, the team uses two male beaters. Usually this works well because UF’s female chasers are so tenacious on defense – however, it leaves the team’s chaser corps undersized. If a team can maintain bludger control against the Gators while using a female beater, it can take advantage of the size disparity.

The truth is, UF doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. It’s a steady team with good athletes and a solid game plan. UF doesn’t make many mistakes and allows teams to beat themselves.

Standout Player
Dre Clements – I’ve watched Clements play for four years now, and each year I’ve seen him add to his game. He passes well and sees the field far better than most point chasers. He’s incredibly aggressive on defense and when locked in is one of the best individual defenders in the country. He has incredibly quick feet, making him almost impossible to stop in open field. Along with keeper Zach Thorne, Clements has completely revitalized the Gators’ offense and should be exciting to watch in North Myrtle Beach.

Underrated Player
Elizabeth Norton – Norton is only underrated right now because no one has seen her play. With sure hands, good agility and great field vision, Norton is a multi-use weapon on offense and can score with the ball in her hands or off of a catch and shoot. Her biggest contributions, however, come on defense, where she is often tasked with covering the opposing team’s most dangerous off-ball chaser. She’s physical and denies the ball better than any female chaser I’ve seen in four years. With the right encouragement, I could see Norton taking the next step in North Myrtle Beach and being the difference in a close game.

Keys to Success
At this point, the best thing for UF to do is stick to the game plan: don’t fall out of snitch range and make the catch. It worked for UF at World Cup V – it made it all the way to the finals – and UF’s veteran leadership is hoping to recapture that magic and get just one step further this April.

Prediction
UF has taken major steps in the right direction this season, and given the right circumstances and a good draw in bracket play, I could see it back in the championship game. However, I believe it’ll make it to the Sweet 16, maybe the Elite Eight if the matchups break right.

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University of Kansas - Midwest - Regional Finish: Runner-up
By David Hoops/IQA Midwest Correspondent

The University of Kansas has been a wildly successful team since it began playing, winning its first tournament ever, the 2011 Midwest Regional Championship. After a seemingly forgotten Elite Eight run at World Cup VI where Kansas took down Baylor University in pool play before bracket play wins over Marquette University and Michigan State University, Kansas performed very well at the recent Midwest Regional. Earning the number one overall seed, Kansas was relatively unchallenged until its 120*-90 semi-final victory over Michigan State and was leading Bowling Green State University before falling to Sam Roitblat’s snitch grab, 70*-60. Despite its successful history and fall season, the coming absence of some star players is creating some doubt about Kansas’ predicted performance in North Myrtle Beach.

Strengths
Offense – Kansas knows how to put points on the board. This team possesses a lot of raw athleticism at chaser and keeper and doesn’t try to do anything too complex. Kansas will use simple passes or drives to get the ball to the biggest mismatch on the field of either size or speed and exploit it. When a team has this level of athleticism, it’s far from a poor strategy. Kansas also loves to get out on the fast break and is extremely adept at finding open players for easy goals. To beat this team, you’ll need to find a way to match its scoring output.

Depth – One of the hallmarks of any top team is the ability to find quality performances from any of its 21 players. Kansas meets this characteristic as well as any Midwest team. Whether you are focused on chasers, beaters or keepers, the players who start on the bench are only marginally less talented than the starting seven, if at all. A commitment to training and practice is obvious when Kansas gets out on the field and can consistently play its preferred style of play with any member of its roster.

Weaknesses
Coming Absences – With one of the biggest stories of the young spring semester, Kansas confirmed that star seeker Keir Rudolph will unfortunately not be able to attend World Cup VII. Widely considered one of the most gifted athletes at his position in the entire IQA, the loss of Rudolph raises huge questions about the Kansas seeking game. Before Rudolph’s addition to the roster last season, Kansas was notoriously weak in SWIM situations. Added to Rudolph’s absence is standout chaser Colby Soden. Out with an eye injury, Soden was known for his defensive tenacity and leadership, and it remains to be seen how Kansas will either replace or adjust without his skills. Also reportedly missing World Cup VII are keepers Jordan Callison and Bunmi Morohunfola. Kansas will be getting last season’s star chaser Hai Nguyen back, but all of these absences are severely going to hamper Kansas’ chances.

Standout Player
Grant Daigle – The player that is quickly becoming the complete package. He used to be a brooms-up speedster that could contribute backend minutes behind the three-headed monster of Connor Drake, Hai Ngyuen and Ronell Sharp. He still has his electric speed, but he has added strength and skill. Daigle has recently put on muscle and begun changing his technique, slowly creating his self-described Daigle Island. Expect him to take a bigger role in the Soden-less offense and defense as he becomes their best point defender option.

Underrated Player
Max Wallerstedt – Without Rudolph and Soden, expect Max Wallerstedt to have a breakout performance. Against University of Missouri at Spring Breakout, Wallerstedt had a couple goals in addition to the game winning snitch catch. Of KU's new seeker stable, he was said to be one of the most difficult for opposing teams to fend off and that list included Nguyen, Joel Haverkamp and Daigle. In addition to his athleticism, Wallerstedt is shifty. His snitch grab came off of a quick change of directions and speeds against Dan Daugherty in a game that lasted two hours, with stoppages of course. If KU makes it far, it will be because Wallerstedt has emerged as a seeker in Rudolph's stead.

Keys to Success
It almost goes without saying – Kansas must find a way to get around the loss of Rudolph. Rudolph could be counted on to bail Kansas out of close games, something it will surely miss. The team must either quickly find another dependable seeker or solidify its offensive and defensive games in order to finish more matches out of snitch range.

Prediction
The loss of Rudolph and so many others puts Kansas’ outlook in question for the first time in a while. A full strength Kansas squad is a legitimate Elite Eight contender. However, with the team hurting for top-of-the-line players, I’m afraid that Kansas will be making a disappointing Round of 32 exit.

With contributed reporting by Daniel Shapiro.

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Louisiana State University - Southwest - Regional Finish: 10th
By Beto Natera/ IQA Southwest Correspondent

Louisiana State University (LSU) slipped at the Southwest Regional Championship with losses to the University of Arkansas and Austin Quidditch, sending the Tigers to the consolation bracket on day two. A win over Sam Houston State University guaranteed the Bayou Bengals a trip to their sixth consecutive World Cup. However, unlike in years past, the Tigers can’t claim to be contending for a title. Like last year, LSU will enter the tournament as one of the more formidable Pot Three teams, giving it a high likelihood of joining the pool of death for the second year in a row.  

Strengths
Beating – Despite the retirement of star beater Kody LaBauve, LSU still fields one of the best beating corps in the country. Led by Jason Winn, LSU’s defense relies heavily on its beaters as its chaser defense can’t stop elite opposition. Six-year veteran Sarah Kneiling remains a key part of the game plan but she can now count on Melissa White to provide quality minutes off the bench. A former chaser, White’s addition considerably improves the beating rotation and allows for both starters to benefit from consistent rest without a drop off in performance. LSU’s loss to the Lost Boys at Diamond Cup demonstrates that when these beaters are on their game, LSU can stay within snitch range and position itself to pull off an upset.

The Honey Bradger – Star chaser Brad Armentor is a crucial component in every Tiger victory. This team will only go as far as this man can carry it. Inconsistent chaser play around him has forced Armentor to run a hero ball-centric offense. While Armentor can make the passes to his chasers, no one has demonstrated the ability to consistently catch those passes and convert them into points, apart from fellow chaser Jake Smith. More impressive is the fact that Armentor is still capable of executing a one-man offense. While teams have improved defensively, the majority of teams in the IQA are still incapable of silencing LSU’s star player.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Barbier

Weaknesses
Chaser Defense – Film of this team’s chaser defense outside of Jake Smith or Armentor shows a squad that is sluggish to defend counter attacks and unable to make consistent stops. Armentor at times looks slow on defense, a possible result of his lung-bursting assaults on opposing hoops, and is susceptible to getting beat on effort plays that can recover quaffle possession for the Tigers. This forces LSU to rely heavily on its beaters, forcing it into low percentage beats that often yield bludger control to the opposing team. Unless the chasers improve their collective defense, their strong beating corps will not be able to play with the same level of aggressiveness that paves the way for Armentor to put points on the board.

Chaser Depth– Seemingly every article that mentions LSU talks about the same six or seven players. The simple truth is that those six or so players are LSU’s  only consistent contributors. The loss of White to the beating corps makes the female chaser position for LSU largely irrelevant in most games, meaning the Tigers are essentially playing three on four for nearly every offensive possession. The male chaser line consists of Armentor, Smith, Arbour... and a bunch of question marks after that. When it comes to the games LSU really wants to win, the games against the top teams in the world, a single effective line won’t be enough.

Standout Player
Brad Armentor – Tired of hearing about this guy? Get used to it. Armentor is a strong candidate to make Team USA if he becomes a two-way player at World Cup. LSU can count on a sizeable offensive contribution from its star chaser. Where the Tigers really need him is on the defensive side of the ball. Armentor is a great defender when he has the energy. However, so much of the gas in his tank is spent chugging through multiple defenders on his way to score. If his teammates can share more of the defensive and offensive load on a consistent basis, expect to see a fresh Honey Bradger running zig zags around defenses during bracket play at North Myrtle Beach.

Underrated Player
Jake Smith – This chaser has the athleticism, strength and speed to play with anyone in the game. A casualty of LSU’s recent decline, Smith has been shielded from much of the spotlight that shines brightly on the Southwest region. Equipped with a cannon arm and an ability to lay the wood on defense, the physically imposing Smith would seem to be an ideal chaser. Yet the quidditch world has seemingly forgotten about him. Equally crucial to LSU’s hopes for success at World Cup VII as his teammate Armentor, Smith is capable of performing at an elite level throughout the tournament and must for the Tigers to win a few games on day two of the tournament.

Keys to Success
Elite Beater Play – LSU’s beaters are capable of playing and besting the best beaters in the world. If the Tigers are to succeed, this group will need to be big contributors.

Duncan Ferguson – His team has given him a few opportunities in big games, but seeker Duncan Ferguson has yet to come through and make game-saving snatches to seal the deal for LSU. Ferguson needs to finish games off quickly or risk falling out of snitch range as his chasers tire.  

Prediction
One of the top teams in its projected pot (Pot Three), LSU should have a strong chance at qualifying for the second day of the tournament. However, there are quite a few teams right now that could likely trip up the Tigers. I expect an initial victory in the first round of bracket play followed by a quick exit the second set of games. LSU’s pot and likelihood of facing two difficult games in bracket play should hurt its seeding and send the Bayou Bengals into a match up with a team fresh off a bye.  

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Michigan State University – Midwest – Regional Finish: Semi-Finals
By David Hoops/IQA Midwest Correspondent

One of the oldest teams in the Midwest, Michigan State University (MSU) has enjoyed a reputation of being one of the best teams in the region for over three years. This season has not been outside of the norm for MSU, but it has yet to bring home a tournament title. With only one more chance to do so at the Glass City Quidditch Classic on March 22 and 23 before World Cup VII, Michigan State may have to go into the season’s marquee event still searching for a trophy.

Strengths
Adaptability – This Michigan State squad has the ability, especially in its beater game, to play many different styles of quidditch at a high level. MSU prefers to keep a speed-based team on the field, but does have the players on its roster to match up physically with all but the largest teams in the quaffle game. Michigan State also has a full mix of hyper-aggressive beaters that try to establish their presence all over the pitch with conservative beaters that understand the high importance of re-gaining and retaining bludger control. MSU’s ability to put in beaters that can match what its opponents try to do is usually the key to the team staying competitive against top-level squads.

Seeking – It’s been covered ad nauseam about Michigan State, but there is no way to sell it short – seeker Jack Norgren and utility player Jacob Heppe are truly some of the best. Heppe’s all-around athleticism and blinding speed keep snitches on their toes at all times. Norgren uses his martial arts background and long wingspan to outmaneuver snitches at close range and come up with grabs not many other seekers could even try to attempt. Although these two have only posted a 2-2 SWIM record this season, one loss comes to University of Kansas’s Keir Rudolph and the other comes this past weekend against the University of Minnesota where the team played without Heppe. Don’t let the record fool you; these two seekers will be crucial if Michigan State makes a deep bracket run at World Cup VII.

Weaknesses
Star Reliance – With such a large time gap between high-profile quidditch matches in the Midwest (October regional to March’s Spring Breakout and Big Ten versus MAC), a lot of discussion began to creep up around this team’s somewhat surprising spot in the coaches’ and media’s polls. Critics pointed to how MSU rarely, if ever, subbed out its starting keeper Heppe. This past weekend in South Bend, Ind.,  the critics had their opinions validated. With Heppe absent, Michigan State’s offense broke down to sloppy passes and below-average driving ability. The biggest sign of how Heppe affects this team’s performance comes from the team’s two matches this season against Ohio State University. There is a 120 quaffle point swing between the team’s performance at its regional, when Heppe was present (a 110*-60 win) to South Bend, when he was not there (a 170*-40 loss). If Heppe is injured or too exhausted at World Cup VII, Michigan State may struggle mightily to stay competitive.

Standout Player
Kevin Fennell – I’ve talked about Heppe too much already, so here is the front line of Michigan State’s defense. Fennell plays point defense in Michigan State’s man-to-man setup and is an imposing force to get around. He may not quite have the size or strength of some more-famous point defenders, but his tackling form is second to none. On the offensive side of the ball, Fennell functions solidly as Heppe’s usual first target due to his great hands around the hoops. His size also gives him the ability to drive on the average chaser, making Fennell a true dual threat.

Underrated Player
Sara Delongchamp – It’s too bad that the Big Ten versus MAC all-star game did not take place. That game was going to be an opportunity for some lesser-known players to leave their mark as some of the region’s best, and Delongchamp had arguably the most to gain. Only a freshman with six or seven months of experience, this off-ball chaser deserves to be mentioned with some of the best in the Midwest. Her height gives her an advantage over most female chasers guarding her and she has coupled this with a fantastic quick catch-and-release shot. Delongchamp can be a matchup nightmare and if left unchecked, can rack up goals in a hurry.

Key To Success
I’ve mentioned it already, but it deserves repeating: Heppe must be on the field, playing at his usual frantic pace. With Heppe on the field, this team can remain competitive with anyone in the IQA. With Heppe on the sidelines, Michigan State needs to develop more ways to consistently score. This isn’t to say MSU’s depth is lacking – it just tends to focus on defense rather than scoring. Developing more ways to score will also help this team in case World Cup opponents are able to take Heppe out of the offense, something I have yet to successfully see, but can’t say is impossible.

Prediction
I’m going to make this prediction assuming that Heppe or any other significant contributor is not injured, which needs to be said for this star-reliant squad. Michigan State possesses the ability and talent to reach the Round of 32 with relative ease, but I am now much more worried about this team after its performance in South Bend, Ind. Two weeks ago I would have said Sweet 16 or possibly even Elite Eight, but when so much of any team’s offense apparently circles around one player, it’s too likely that a great defensive team or player will take MSU out in the Round of 32.